Speculation: Caps Roster General Discussion (Coaching/FAs/Cap/Lines/etc) | 2024-25 Summer Edition

[tycoonheart]

You don't touch selke candidate Connor McMichael. Leave him where he is.

 

[895]

To quote twabby

When McMichael is not on the ice, other players should be asking “where is McMichael?”

 

[Langway]

Yeah, they're not going to want to shuffle Protas or McMichael down just to solve the nominal 3C issue. It'll be external if it happens. The main question is whether Lapierre is a keeper. Is he putting in the work to adapt and improve at the top level? If not, is he someone to keep, replace and invest in next season or is he an asset to flip? TBD but they ought to be aggressive. Not foolish but definitely intent to give this team the best possible chance if they continue to look the part.

The secondary question needs to probably be: what's the best option to play between Mangiapane and Ryan Leonard in the spring? Because that's what the third line ought to be trending towards. It's setting up very, very nicely if they can stay healthy. They're bound to have some external options that shake loose, even more if they're prepared to take on some term.

One of their bigger assets looks to be Carbery so they should leverage that into contemplating further various change of scenery options. Outside of that Old Friend Lars Eller wouldn't be the worst idea in the world...

 

[Devil Dancer]

I'm ready to sign Carbs to an Ovechkin-style 13 year contract. Lock him up through his coaching prime.

I'd probably regret it eventually but that's how I feel today.

 

[stephenball]

I think Lapierre seems to have a good attitude, I think sitting a game or two will be good for him and he’ll come back better.

 

[wickedwitch]

Yeah, they're not going to want to shuffle Protas or McMichael down just to solve the nominal 3C issue. It'll be external if it happens. The main question is whether Lapierre is a keeper. Is he putting in the work to adapt and improve at the top level? If not, is he someone to keep, replace and invest in next season or is he an asset to flip? TBD but they ought to be aggressive. Not foolish but definitely intent to give this team the best possible chance if they continue to look the part.

The secondary question needs to probably be: what's the best option to play between Mangiapane and Ryan Leonard in the spring? Because that's what the third line ought to be trending towards. It's setting up very, very nicely if they can stay healthy. They're bound to have some external options that shake loose, even more if they're prepared to take on some term.

One of their bigger assets looks to be Carbery so they should leverage that into contemplating further various change of scenery options. Outside of that Old Friend Lars Eller wouldn't be the worst idea in the world...

Another medium-term option is calling up BC, remind them they have 1 top 6 center, and ask them to move Leonard to center. He's already taking some faceoffs and the defensive responsibility, so it shouldn't be a huge stretch for him. Then you have the flexibility to slot him in either center or the wing come April. It also allows for Miro in that 3L spot.

 

[Lindemann]

Our goalies have let in some meh goals

But they are making the big saves when it counts. Thompson made 3 or 4 huge saves to prevent a tie yesterday

That is hella important

 

[qc14]

Another medium-term option is calling up BC, remind them they have 1 top 6 center, and ask them to move Leonard to center. He's already taking some faceoffs and the defensive responsibility, so it shouldn't be a huge stretch for him. Then you have the flexibility to slot him in either center or the wing come April. It also allows for Miro in that 3L spot.

I see that as a strictly worse short and medium term solution than just letting Lappy ride it out. If Lappy -- a guy who is a natural center in his third year of professional hockey that just won the AHL playoff MVP -- is struggling, putting a rookie who hasn't played center once his entire junior career there is not going to be more conducive to winning.

I think 3c is a "problem" insofar as the team is good this year and what would make the team even better this year is a trustworthy, short-term vet at that spot (or 3LW to provide more cover than Vrana currently is). Not concerned at all about Lappy long-term as a center for the team.

 

[Lou Sassole]

It’s hard to be critical of the team at this point but the 3rd line is definitely the weakest link on the roster.

I think there are two plays that you can make and both involve bringing in someone from outside the organization. I know it might not be everyone’s favorite but I’m now firmly in the give Ovi one more run category.

1st is you move McMichael to 3C which is tough because he is really starting to shine in the 2LW spot. That means you have to fill the 2LW with someone. Internally is Miro but that doesn’t make the team better. A player like Ehlers or even a Huberdeau would be really interesting here not to mention either one would be big additions to the PP. That means moving on from Lappy, Alexyev, 1st rounder, etc.

2nd option is you keep the top-6 how it is and add a 3C. I think the player that comes to mind is someone like a Brian Boyle(obviously not BB) type player. Defensively responsible bigger body with Mangiapane and Vrana/Milano on the sides. Cheaper cost to acquire here.

Huberdeau blows. Keep that guy away from this squad. He's a perimeter, regular season player.

 

[StrikingDistance]

Performance is not a straight line. Lappy will rebound under this coaching staff. Think CMM was in the doghouse a few times before he started walking on water last night.

All hail Carbs. Smart, honest, and fair communicator.

 

[trick9]

I'm glad we didn't sell-low on McMichael when he struggled early on. Or Protas.

Which is why i'm confident we aren't doing that with Lapierre either. Develop your own guys, through struggles too. Some will pan out, some won't.